Google's answer to OpenAI's GPT-4o Advanced Voice and Apple's updated Siri, Gemini Live will be available this summer and will allow users to have two-way conversations with AI using natural language. Specifics on how it will work are scarce.
A recent APK teardown by 9to5 Google revealed that Gemini has code strings indicating that users can continue chatting while using other apps.
These code strings mention that "background_mode" "allows (Gemini) Live chat to continue while using other apps or while the screen is locked."
In theory, this could make the use of Gemini more seamless and help it compete with Apple Intelligence.
This feature would allow users to tap on a notification at the top of the screen to quickly ask or reply to Google Gemini without having to switch apps.
According to Teardown, stopping a conversation is also easy. To end a chat, simply say "stop" or go through the persistent notification in the upper corner of the screen.
What is not clear is whether users can use voice to talk with Gemini while using these other apps. This feature is already available in ChatGPT with the current Basic Voice and will continue in Advanced Voice, which will be launched later this year.
Google is also working to allow Gemini to do more when the device is locked. Currently, with Google Gemini enabled, it is possible to set alarms and timers while the phone's screen is locked, but most other commands require the phone to be unlocked. However, Google appears to be including an "Extensions on Lock Screen" option that works with Messages, Workspace, and Home Automation.
A Google Gemini that works this way would make it easier to add relevant information to chats, but whether it would be enough to draw users in after recent problems remains questionable. Google is still dealing with the backlash surrounding "Overview," where the AI displays false reports as news. Google has stated that most of the strange reactions are only a small fraction of the reports, but it still has the problem of Gemini's tendency to report outdated or out-of-date information.
It is no secret that Google Gemini is not a great onboard AI, and the combination of Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT is a major concern for the company. While these changes may not allow Gemini to catch up to its competitors, they are a step in the right direction.
It should be mentioned that the code found in the APK teardown does not necessarily mean that the feature is coming soon. However, if the news has rekindled your interest in trying out Google's AI, we've prepared seven Google Gemini prompts to give you an idea of how the software works and what it can do.
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